Michael Kilander, 66

October 3, 2013

Michael Andrew Kilander, 66, a resident of South Whitley, died at 10:57 a.m. Tuesday at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he had been taken earlier by the E.M.S. He had been in failing health.
He was born March 10, 1947, in Wabash, a son of Kenneth L. and Effie Mae (Lee) Kilander.
His formative years were spent in Wabash. He attended Wabash High School.
On July 14, 1965 he entered into the U. S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge Aug. 1, 1966.
On Nov. 29, 1975, he was united in marriage to Blanche M. Sizemore. They have always made their home in South Whitley.
A career long truck driver, he drove for Ford Meter Box, Wabash from 1984 to 1997. Then he drove for Dana Corporation, Columbia City from 1998 until his retirement in 2005.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 286, North Manchester. In his spare time, he loved riding his motorcycle.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Blanche; two daughters, Dawn (Brett) Tracy of South Whitley and Shelly Squires of Ventura, Calif.; a son, Jason Michael (Kelly) Kilander of Columbia City; grandchildren, Brady Hileman, Katie Hileman, Logan Michael Kilander and Daisha Nicole Kilander; and two brothers, John (Marybeth) Kilander of Wabash and George Kilander of North Manchester. He was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Zumbaugh.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery with honor being presented by the Patriot Guard and North Manchester American Legion. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Cleveland Township Fire Department. Condolences may be sent www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.